Donate to Us: Arizona Tax Credit Program

Donating your tax credit money to our school helps us pay for programs and activities we wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. Many people are still unsure about this program, and many more have questions. We’ve included a list of frequently asked questions about the Tax Credit Program. We’ve also included the donation form here on this page. If you have any further questions for us, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Did you know…

Arizona law (A.R.S. 43-1089.01) allows Arizona taxpayers to contribute up to $200 if single, $400 if married and filing jointly, to a public school and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes. The tax credit is available for contributions earmarked to support a qualifying extracurricular activity. Any taxpayer is eligible for the credit—you don't have to be a parent or have children in our schools.

According to the legislative updates, HB2066-Tax Credit Changes allows you to donate to the school district up to April 15, and the taxpayer can claim it in either the prior or current calendar year.

How does the tax credit work?

Just send a donation by check or money order to the Willcox school of your choice. We may designate your donation for the general support of extracurricular programs at the school of your choice, or you may designate a specific extracurricular program you’d like to support. You may also specify that your donation is a fee to cover the cost of a specific child's participation in a specific activity. You must enclose your social security number with your donation so the school can send you a receipt, which you will need to take the tax credit.

When you fill out your Arizona tax return, you can subtract the amount of your contribution—up to $200 maximum if you are single, $400 if you are married and filing jointly— from what you owe in taxes for the year. It's not just a deduction, it's a credit.

I don't have kids in school. Does that mean I can't take advantage of this tax credit?

In fact, you can take advantage of the tax credit, kids in school or not. If you pay Arizona Income Tax, you can take advantage of this opportunity. Everybody wins. You gain a tax credit, and the school of your choice gains $200-$400.

There are no free lunches, you know! All this sounds too good to be true.

Rest assured, it’s true. According to the Arizona Department of Revenue, "A credit of up to $200 if you are single and $400 if you are married and filing jointly is available for payment of fees to an Arizona public school for support of extra-curricular activities." The state defines extracurricular activities as school-sponsored activities that require enrolled students to pay a fee in order to participate. Such activities include (but are not limited to): field trips, fine arts (band, choir, orchestra, drama), visual arts (painting, drafting, drawing, sculpture, pottery), and athletics. Uniforms and equipment for these activities and scientific laboratory equipment and materials are also included.

What if I can’t donate the $200 or $400 all at one time? Does that mean I can't get this tax credit?

You don't have to give the full $200 or $400, and you don't have to give it all at once; you can contribute to the tax credit donation in increments throughout the year. You don't have to give all $200 or $400 to one school; you can donate portions of the tax credit to several schools.

Just who gets this money?

Our schools! If you don't have any particular school in mind, you can make your tax credit donation directly to Willcox Public Schools. We will distribute all funds contributed in this manner to those schools with the greatest need. Willcox district as a central entity cannot use the money. In cases of undesignated tax credit contributions, the district merely acts as a clearinghouse for the schools with the greatest need.

Just how does my contribution help kids?

It helps students participate in our extracurricular programs like sports, the arts, clubs, and other activities that enrich their education and provide them with valuable life experiences. As noted, you can specify the program you want to help, or better yet, your donation help the school with the greatest need.

How do I donate?

Easy. Print out the donation form (you can find it on this page or pick one up from the school or district office). Fill it out, attach your donation, and mail it in or drop it back off at the school office of your choice or at our district office. We will process your donation and send you a receipt, which you’ll need when you file your taxes for that year.